BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI– The Chairperson of the African Association of Accountants General (AAAG), Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Eswatini for accepting the association’s request to host its Secretariat Annual General Meeting (AGM), describing the move as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to continental cooperation and economic development.
Dr Ogunjimi made the remarks during a media briefing held at the Happy Valley Hotel on July 23, following a closed meeting of the AAAG Executive Committee (Secretariat), which was convened as part of preparations for the Fourth African Association of Accountants General Conference to be hosted by Eswatini in December this year.
He said members of the association were excited to be in the Kingdom and were looking forward to returning later this year for the continental conference, which is expected to attract delegates from across Africa.
“It is an opportunity for us to be here, first, to hold our Annual General Meeting and, secondly, to make preparations for the forthcoming annual conference, which we are privileged to have hosted by the Kingdom of Eswatini after it graciously accepted our request,” said Dr Ogunjimi.
The AAAG Chairperson said the conference programme would commence in late November and run until December 4, adding that the association was confident that Eswatini would deliver a memorable and successful event.
“We cannot wait to be in this beautiful Kingdom. In the few days that we have spent here, we have already experienced the warm hospitality that will undoubtedly be extended to all delegates and members of our association,” he said.
Dr Ogunjimi further noted that the conference would bring significant economic and tourism benefits to Eswatini as hundreds of delegates descend on the country for the continental gathering.
He expressed optimism that attendance figures would surpass those recorded during last year’s conference in Ghana, owing to the growing interest in the association and its activities across the continent.
“We are hopeful that the number of delegates coming to the Kingdom will surpass the attendance we recorded last year in Ghana. As we move forward, more and more interest is being generated, and we believe that the people and Government of Eswatini have a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of, and benefit from, the presence of the large number of delegates who will be attending the conference,” he said.
According to Dr Ogunjimi, hosting the conference presents Eswatini with a unique opportunity to reap economic gains through increased business activity in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, transport and other services that are expected to benefit from the influx of international visitors.
He thanked the people and Government of Eswatini for welcoming the association and partnering with it in delivering an event that will not only strengthen public financial management across Africa but also contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth.
“On behalf of our committee members, I express our sincere gratitude to the people and the Kingdom of Eswatini for giving us the opportunity to be part of your efforts to enhance the economic benefits that this association is ready to bring to the Kingdom,” he said.
The AAAG Executive Committee is in Eswatini to finalise preparations for the Fourth African Association of Accountants General Conference, which will bring together accountants general and public financial management experts from across the continent to deliberate on issues of accountability, transparency and sound financial governance.
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